Binding Studies of Natural Product Berberine with DNA G-Quadruplex

Problem statement: The ends of chromosome had highly repetitive short G and C-rich sequences of DNA. These sequences were known to form stable tetraplex type of secondary structures which help to maintain gene integratity after cell divison. Approach: Any reagent which controls the random cell division would be useful to design anticancer drugs. Therefore a many natural and synthesized molecules which stabilized tetraplex structures are targeted as anticancer drug entities. Results: Among them, Berberine hydrochloride natural product and its analogues are well studies as G-quadruplex stabilizing agent. In this report, DNA sequence 5’-G₃-C₅-G₃-3’ has been designed which has probability to form i-motif and G-qua druplex types of secondary structures. Herein we studied the interaction between this DNA strands and Berberine hydrochloride by ¹H-NMR techniques and UV in two different PH (4.7 and 7.4) conditions. Conclusion/Recommendations: Our preliminary results showed that Berberine bind with this DNA strand in both pH conditions which is further supported by UV melting experiments. In future this sequence can be used as probe to screen out tetraplex binding natural products which help to generate new anticancer drugs.